Chapter 9: Make it worth my while

"Zuko, are you sure we're on the right course? That doesn't look like Harbor City…"

"Yeah, we had a change of plans."

His mother turned around worried. "What do you mean?"

"You guys are going to fly back to the palace with Aang, while I ride on the ground with the Royal Procession." He smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, it's nothing serious."

But she didn't look convinced at his explanation. Her eyes narrowed for a moment before she sighed and put a hand to his cheek. "You're hiding something from us…"

"Mother, I—"

"No, I get it… You're the Fire Lord now, and there's always going to be things to worry about." She then smiled at him. "Just promise to be safe."

He smiled back. "Yeah, I promise."

For as kind as his mother was, he needed to remember that Azula's brain came directly from her more than their father…

And that his saving grace was inheriting her kindness instead… else he could've truly become exactly like him.

"Zuko—" He heard Suki call out. "The submarine is here!"

And just as she said it, the massive green and golden vessel surfaced from underwater in its green and golden glory.

"Woah, what's a 'submarine'?" Kiyi stared in awe.

"Well… it's basically an underwater ship." He answered with a smile. "Although my friend Sokka would probably be best suited to explain it to you."

Because even after seeing one so many times, he couldn't even explain any of the simpler mechanics of the thing…

But it was nice having a little sister finally looking up to him… At least until Azula got to her…

Which she would, since she told him about their little firebending deal…

He knew he shouldn't have told her that Azula was the strongest firebender he knew… Even if it was true. But there's nothing to do about it now… Especially seeing how cheerful Kiyi seemed right now.

She also seemed to have warmed back up to their mother… Although he could tell it was still a work in progress.

"Nephew!" He heard coming from the top hatch of the submarine, where his uncle was peeking his head out and started waving at him.

He smiled and waved back.

"Uncle! It's so good to see you again!" He said as both men shared a tight hug. "Thank you for watching over things while I've been away. I don't know how I could repay you…"

And not just for that, but for everything he's done for him.

Even after Lu Ten died, he still decided to look out for him despite his grief, and he would always be grateful for that.

But the older man simply smiled at him. "Seeing that your trip was successful is repayment enough!"

Well, he'll have to think of something anyway.

"Iroh!" His mother called out as she rushed to give his uncle a hug, catching him in surprise.

But then his face became solemn as he pulled away from the hug and bowed his head.

"Lady Ursa, I'm deeply grateful to see you again… Please let me express how sorry I am for all the pain you suffered at the hands of my family."

"Please don't apologize…" She replied with a kind voice. "Your presence in the family always gave me hope."

It was a heartwarming scene to say the least. Zuko was glad that his family was finally back together…

Except for one.

But this was good enough.

"Zuko!" He heard a characteristically cheerful voice come out from the submarine.

One that he very much recognized.

"Ty Lee! Thank you for taking care of all this." He said as she jumped down into the deck of their ship.

"No problem, Zuko!" She replied with multiple pats on his shoulder. "It was about time I proved my worth around the Kyoshi Warriors!"

"And what about the decoy? Were you able to find one?"

She smiled sheepishly. "Actually… Iroh sort of volunteered."

"Seriously?" He raised an eyebrow at his uncle. "No offense, but you and I don't really look alike…"

But he simply smiled widely at him and pointed at his hand. "Oh, the crowds won't see my face, just my hand!" He then put on an angst filled expression as he started waving it. "What do you think? I've been practicing all morning."

He was honestly caught off guard by all of this, so he just smiled and nodded.

"Um… Zuko?" He heard Ty Lee speak up. "We better get going—"

"Hello, traitor."

They both jumped at the venom-laced words.

He sighed. She just had to pick the worst time to come over.

Ty Lee's body stiffened. "Azula…" She said slightly on edge.

"Azula, can't you do this later?" He asked with a glare.

"I just wanted to say hi to an old friend." She smirked. "Is that so bad?"

Yes, yes it was.

"Where's Aang?"

"The Avatar?" She said menacingly. "I already took care of him…"

Ty Lee's face paled as she took on a defensive stance. "W-What do you—"

"Azula! We don't have time for your jokes!" He yelled as he grabbed her by the shoulders and started pushing her away.

But Azula quickly brushed him off and strode gracefully and intimidatingly towards Ty Lee.

They locked eyes for what seemed like an eternity, as Ty Lee's brows started sweating. The tension was palpable and suffocating, with each girl standing unmoving.

And then, Azula broke out in laughter, leaving Ty Lee to jump in surprise.

"You should see your face!" She said brightly, which only managed to further Ty Lee's confusion.

She then turned around and started walking towards a now landing Appa with Aang on his head.

He jumped down by where Azula was standing and did something that he was sure might kill Ty Lee from the shock.

"D-D-Did they just k—"

"I'll explain on the way!" He jumped in front of her and started leading her back into the submarine.

They needed to get her out of here before she passed out completely.

"B-But how? What—"

"Don't worry, it's a fun story!" He heard Suki say as she trailed behind him.

Fun…

Considering that they've spent almost all their lives in the middle of a war, she was probably right.

Ty Lee kept trying to turn back around, but he managed to maintain his hold, and eventually got her back into the hatch of the submarine.

Hopefully this plan of his would work…

She had to admit, flying was actually growing on her pretty quickly. The wind felt nice, and the view wasn't bad at all.

But her favorite part was how relaxing it could be. Just having the wind constantly roaring in her ears managed to quiet down the more annoying parts of her brain…

And it was something she had noticed all the way back in her first flight. And even now, when most of the nagging was gone, and she felt overall better, the more stubborn parts of her brain kept trying to flare back up.

It was terrifying thinking she could once again fall back into her previous state… And not just for her, but for Aang. She couldn't help believing that one false move on her part and he would become so disappointed in her that he would leave her…

Even if deep down she knew his feelings for her were more than genuine, because why else would he have risked so much, and put himself through that much just for her… And the way he looked and smiled at her was filled with so much love and passion she swears she would be able to visualize it in the air if she really tried.

"This is so cool!" Kiyi said cheerfully as she started peeking her head off Appa's saddle.

She reckoned the view definitely was cool, but she had to pull her away from the edge before—

"Kiyi! Get away from there!" Her mother screeched as she grabbed her and forcefully pulled her back.

And just like she expected, Kiyi started squirming against her grip which was getting increasingly dangerous this high up in the air.

She sighed.

"Kiyi." She said firmly, catching both her and her mother's attention. "Come sit with me."

They both stared at her for a moment, but then her little sister ripped herself off from their mother and made to sit beside her.

"And you—" She looked at her mother, who's face betrayed a hurt expression. "You need to remember that we're flying in a master airbender's bison. She's probably safer here than any other place."

"I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have overreacted like that…" She said apologetically. She then took her seat back next to Noren, who looked concerned but only silently comforted his wife.

"Hey! Everything alright back there?" They heard Aang yell from his spot on Appa's reins.

"Yes, everything's fine!" She yelled back.

He looked back at the saddle worriedly before smiling at her. "Alright! Whatever you say, sweetie!"

Huh…?

Wait—What did he just call her?

She was too shocked to register anything else as she felt her breath catch on her throat. That was the first time someone's ever called her something other than her name… or her title.

It was… nice?

Well it wasn't not nice for sure…

But it was then that she heard a giggle come from right beside her.

"You're blushing!" Kiyi said brightly as she could barely contain her Ty Lee like squealing.

"I-I'm not blushing—"

But as she raised a hand to feel her cheek, she realized it was useless. She was blushing. And probably more than that, as she could feel her entire face burning by now.

"Stupid Avatar…" She grumbled as she crossed her arms.

She then turned to the two other passengers in the saddle to find them smiling at the scene.

Great, it seemed everybody managed to see that pathetic side of her that only Aang ever seemed capable to bring out into the light.

But it was fine… She would just have to get back at him.

And she knew just how…

But as she formed her master plan in her head, a blinding light managed to shine in the air right next to them.

A shining light that she committed to memory before departing from the ship. It was a distress flare.

"That's from Suki!" Aang called out. "They're in trouble! I-I need to help them!"

He stood up and started grabbing at his staff, which he had quickly patched up during their journey back, but hesitated as he looked back at them.

They locked eyes, and seeing the penetrating worry in them she knew exactly what she needed to do.

"You go! I'll get them back to the palace!"

She then jumped skillfully into Appa's head, and took over the reins. She wasn't exactly sure how to ride a bison, but she's ridden wilder beasts before so she was sure she could handle this.

At least that was until the bison roared and jerked his head with so much power, that she only managed to hold on thanks to Aang's quick reactions at grabbing her.

"Appa!" He leaned his head and looked at the massive orbs that were his eyes. "Please listen to Azula! She's in charge now, okay?"

Appa roared loudly in what seemed like protest, but didn't make any other sudden movements, which hopefully meant that he had understood Aang's words.

She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.

Okay, while she's probably ridden more aggressive animals before, this one was easily the most powerful…

But she was a princess! There was nothing she couldn't achieve!

And Aang needed her now more than ever…

So, she would prevail no matter what.

"I'll be right back!" Aang called out as he deployed his glider.

She locked gazes with him, letting everything she wanted to say to be said through their eye contact.

She then smiled at him. "Give them hell!" She said fiercely, drawing a laugh out of him.

He then winked at her before jumping down into the air.

Her heart was hammering with worry and adrenaline, but she needed to focus in getting her family back as quickly as possible.

The faster she got that done, the faster she could go back to help.

And she knew Aang would be fine.

She was dating the Avatar, after all.

Aang knew from the beginning that Zuko's plan was too risky.

But Ty Lee had written in her letter that the guy that told them about the ambush was part of this 'New Ozai Society' thing, and Mai in particularly wanted to test out his loyalties.

And when it came to Mai, Zuko instantly agreed to whatever she said… So now the plan involved Zuko acting as a second decoy, while he secretly took his family on Appa.

And for better or for worse, it seemed the bait worked just as planned.

So, he now found himself flying down towards a secluded forest where he could make out the figures of way too many oddly dressed people, wearing face coverings and gray and black robes, surrounding what looked like Zuko and…

Wait, who is that?

But then he saw what looked like three Kyoshi warriors tied up in the ground, so he quickly made his way to help them.

Landing with a powerful gust of air, he managed to blow away many of the surrounding bandits, giving him enough time to burn down Suki's and the other two's restrains.

"Aang! I'm so glad you're here!" Ty Lee hugged him tightly right after he was done with hers.

"And it couldn't have been at a better time!" Suki spoke up as she helped the other Kyoshi Warrior from the ground. "We have to help Zuko!"

"I got it!" He nodded before promptly jumping into the air and blowing away more of the black dressed bandits.

"Zuko!" He called out as he earthbended the ground around them, providing cover from the enemy firebenders.

His friend gave him a grateful look. "Thanks, buddy!"

"Woah, it's the Avatar!" The brown-haired guy he didn't know but was apparently on their side spoke up.

"Uh… Yeah! That's me!" He said sheepishly. "And… you are…?"

"His name's Kei Lo. He decided to help me out after I got tied up."

Well, that was good enough for him. Especially with how hectic the battlefield was becoming.

So he nodded.

"Great! Now let's take care of these guys before more can arrive!" He said with fire in his voice, as the other two along the Kyoshi warriors started their counterattack.

Their numbers seemed almost infinite by the way they just kept coming one after the other, but soon enough, they started to dwindle in size.

And that's when it appeared.

One of the Fire Nation's repurposed War Ballons flew on top of them before a ladder and a bunch of ropes started dropping towards the ground.

And from them came the rest of the Kyoshi Warriors, Iroh, Mai, and…

Katara and Sokka!

"Now, finally the Dragon of the West is ready for Action!" Iroh shouted as he landed in a fighting stance next to two Kyoshi Warriors.

Closer to Zuko did Mai and Sokka land, making quick work of the enemies surrounding him.

And then, on his side landed…

"Aang!" Katara rushed to hug him tightly.

He returned the hug with a smile but cut it off faster than Katara expected, as she looked at him slightly hurt afterwards.

"I'm happy to see you too! But we need to focus on the Ozai Society weirdos." He tried to appear calm, but seeing her after all this time was definitely a little too overwhelming.

But she was his family, and he wasn't about to forget that.

She nodded confidently at his words before she started waterbending her way through the many firebenders and spear wielders surrounding them. Maybe it was just him, but she seemed to have improved her technique and control. It was practically flawless.

Guess that's how she decided to handle their breakup.

But she couldn't let her one-up him.

So, he combined his firebending and his airbending to swiftly deflect and counterattack, running through them like a knife through butter.

Now that reinforcements had arrived, the fight skewed completely in their favor. But he also noticed one concerning thing…

He seriously doubted they would've brought their entire ranks for this mission, so this meant that for as many as there were right now, there were still others hiding somewhere in the capital.

It took a longer than he would've liked it to, but eventually, almost every one of their enemies was tied up and on the ground, or had fled the scene.

All except three firebenders who had managed to corner Zuko against one of the fallen trees, while one more was standing on top of the massive log seemingly speaking with... Mai?

But he had to focus on Zuko.

He tried to get there in time, but by the time he had noticed, they had already shot their blasts of fire towards him.

"Katara!" He called out, to which she quickly made her way beside him and blasted the firebenders with water while he managed to blow them away with air. It was quick and powerful.

But the fire had already reached Zuko, as he was engulfed by a spinning vortex of flames. But they weren't the violent waves of destruction that he expected, and rather were controlled and warm, almost like…

Ran and Shaw.

It seems Zuko had also focused himself on his own bending in the time they didn't see each other…

Maybe it was time to pick back his own training and make up for all the time he lost to moping around...

Who knows, maybe he could get Azula to teach him some stuff… He'll have to ask her as soon as he gets back to the palace—

But a sudden roar echoed through the air as Appa quickly made his way down to the ground. And from his head, Azula jumped down to where he was.

Or at least that was what he thought, as she simply ignored him and headed straight towards…

Oh great.

At least their opponents were all completely defeated, so no need to worry about that anymore. But he was sure this would spell similar trouble.

Katara's eyes narrowed as she picked back up her fighting stance without hesitating.

"I can't believe Zuko actually set you free!" She said nastily before readying a water whip.

"Yeah, well you know how dumb he can be sometimes. But I personally think this was one of his better decisions!" She replied with equal fire.

And without missing another beat, she started shooting her blue flames in rapid succession forcing Katara to block and dodge.

But blocking and dodging she was. And she was making it look pretty effortless.

At least for a little while, as Azula's attacks kept coming relentlessly. Eventually, she started her own counter attack by ducking under a fireball and shooting her whip with incredible speed, forcing Azula to dodge to the side.

But the opening was enough for Katara to keep her attack. They were quick and precise, and seemed to pack a heavy punch... Except none of them were landing.

Azula's dodging was graceful and confident as she weaved her way with her fire from side to side. It was perfect in a way only Azula could achieve. So precise and determined that it almost looked like she could read Katara's mind.

And she was smiling. Smiling as if she was having the time of her life.

But it wasn't at Katara. In fact, she wasn't even looking at anywhere near Katara.

She was looking at someone else. And that wasn't anyone except for him.

She looked at him directly in the eyes, all the while dodging and blocking in a mesmerizing dance of blue flames that sprung from the ground like flower petals.

And she looked like she was waiting for something… Something from him.

And of course, he knew exactly what that was.

He was sure she was going to get him back for calling her sweetie back when they were flying on Appa and getting him back for that she was doing now.

Then again, it wasn't like he minded. And he wouldn't stop calling her that unless she seriously hated it, which he had an inkling that it might be the opposite.

He also had to break the news to his friends one way or another, so might as well do it now.

"Aang!" He heard Sokka yell from behind him as he started making his way towards the fight ahead.

"We need to help Katar—"

But he didn't let him finish as he put a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "Don't worry. I got this!" He said as he gave him a thumbs up.

Sokka gave him a weird look.

"W-What do you mean!?" He tried to say evenly, but his voice came out a pitch too high, clearly his stress reaching a peak.

But he didn't answer. He just laughed as he shook his head before turning around.

He took a deep breath.

As cool as the fight was, Katara's eyes screamed pure murder and he needed to put a stop to it.

So, in a split second, he leaped into the air and landed in front of Azula, startling Katara enough to stop her attacks.

She had said something, but he didn't hear it.

He was too focused on the girl in front of him.

The girl that was grinning deviously from ear to ear.

"You said you'll make it worth my while."

That he did.

So, he laughed.

And it was infectious enough that Azula shared it with him.

It was a pretty sound… And combined with her display a moment ago, he was sure his heart was about to burst out from his chest.

And finally, he leaned down and kissed her deeply and passionately.

He might've heard a couple gasps and shrieks and… a thud?

Well, whatever that was, he'll worry about it later.

Right now, it was just them both, and nobody else